MPS News

This weekend, more than 1,600 students from Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) will work to send humans to new heights using robots…it’ll be out of this world! Students in grades four through eight will participate in the MPS Regional FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Robotics Tournament, while all students in kindergarten through eighth grade will showcase their skills in the MPS Robotics Exhibition.

FLL has named INTO ORBITSM the theme of this year’s challenge: “Gather your crew and get ready to explore, challenge and innovate in the demanding and inspiring expanse we call space! [This] season requires you to work together to break out of your earthly constraints.” The challenge asks teams to consider solutions to “all the challenges humans must overcome to travel in our solar system for long periods of time,” including “extreme temperatures; lack of air, water and food; waste disposal or recycling; loneliness and isolation; and the need for exercise in order to stay healthy.”

Robotics activities are part of MPS’ strategic priority of raising expectations and academic rigor for all students. MPS robotics teams are composed of students involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE) programs.

Staff members and volunteers from MPS and the Minnesota nonprofit High Tech Kids will run the event, which is free and open to the public.

What: Regional FIRST LEGO League Robotics Tournament and Robotics Exhibition

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